News
Jackson Nonprofits Join JobSTAR Cohorts
JACKSON – Federal funds have made it possible for eight Jackson-area nonprofits to join JobSTAR, the business resource network led by UWSCMI. Launched in 2018, JobSTAR (Support, Talent And Retention) embeds Success Coaches Scott Walker and Kristy Warner at participating organizations, connecting employees to services and support programs so they can get beyond barriers to…
Read MoreAlyssa Stewart Reflects On UW Career
After a decade as a driving force in United Way’s work, Alyssa Stewart is moving on to a new challenge – but she is still a United Way champion. Stewart, who has been UWSCMI’s Executive Impact Officer, is joining the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, where she will direct impact activities, grantmaking and scholarships. It’s a role…
Read MorePerspective: Recovery Tide Isn’t Lifting All Boats
Editor’s Note: On this Labor Day, President & CEO Chris Sargent offers insights on the economic struggles of ALICE households – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Sadly, there are two starkly different economic realities in America. There’s one in which middle- and high-wage workers saw savings and wealth increase throughout the pandemic. And there’s another…
Read MoreALICE Speaks: Personal Stories Mark Report Rollout
LANSING – A news conference spotlighting financial hardship in Michigan included powerful stories of life for families that have experienced that hardship. The April 26 news conference, spearheaded by the Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW), shared the latest findings on ALICE, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. ALICE households are those with…
Read MoreCelebrating Our 1st Birthday
President & CEO Chris Sargent reflects on our progress as we note the one-year anniversary of the merger that created United Way of South Central Michigan. “The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.” Mark Twain said that to poke fun at April Fools’…
Read MoreUWSCMI Earns Top Merger Award
The merger that created United Way of South Central Michigan has been named the nonprofit M&A Deal of the Year by MiBiz Magazine. UWSCMI will be recognized at an award ceremony this week. UWSCMI will join winners from 12 business sectors and five individual categories being honored on Wednesday in Grand Rapids. In an interview…
Read MoreFEMA Grants Available; $460K To Tackle Hunger, Homelessness
United Way of South Central Michigan has been awarded $460,437 in federal funds to support local food and shelter assistance programs. The emergency funding is provided through the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The federal program is directing $187,860 for…
Read MoreBethany Stutzman Named to Lead Jackson Role
JACKSON – Bethany Stutzman has been named Senior Director of Community Impact for UWSCMI. The long-time Jackson resident will also serve as site leader at UWSCMI’s Jackson office. Stutzman previously served as Director of Community Impact, overseeing United Way’s impact work in Jackson County. She joined United Way of Jackson County in 2005, where her…
Read MoreTime For Taxes! VITA Offers Free Tax Prep
Doing tax returns isn’t usually much fun. For households that can’t afford to hire an expert, it can be a missed opportunity to get the full refund they’re owed. That’s where United Way of South Central Michigan’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program can make a vital difference. VITA provides free tax preparation to low- and…
Read MoreStabenow Support Lifts ALICE Initiative
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) successfully championed a $257,000 federal budget appropriation to support UWSCMI’s workplace initiative sustaining ALICE employees. United for ALICE@Work in Michigan is a business education and certification effort to help small- and medium-sized businesses better understand the needs of low-wage workers below the ALICE threshold. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained…
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